Multiple launch rocket system UR-77 “Meteorite”** (better known by the nickname "Snake Gorynych") became one of the most formidable and mysterious developments of the Soviet military industry. Created in the 1970s to solve specific problems - primarily demining the area and destroying enemy engineering structures - this system still arouses interest among military experts and historians. Unlike classic MLRS such as “Grad” or “Uragan”, “Zmey Gorynych” is not intended for mass destruction of manpower: its main “specialization” is remote mine sweeping and destruction of fortified objects using unique ammunition.
In this article we will analyze in detail the operating principle of the UR-77, its design, tactical features of use and why this system still remains relevant despite the emergence of more modern analogues. We will pay special attention explosion physics, the missile launch pattern and how the Zmey Gorynych interacts with other types of weapons - for example, with tanks or sapper units. If you have ever wondered how one vehicle can “clear” the path for an entire convoy of vehicles through a minefield in a few seconds, the answer lies precisely in the design of this MLRS.
Design of UR-77: what does the “Serpent Gorynych” consist of?
Externally, the UR-77 resembles other Soviet rocket systems, but its internal structure is radically different. The basis of the system is chassis from the T-55 medium tank (later - T-62), which provides high maneuverability and crew protection. Installed on the stern launcher with 220 caliber rocket guides 220 mm - this is two times more than that of the Hurricane, and five times more than that of the Grad. However, the main “zest” lies not in the number of barrels, but in the type of ammunition.
Each UR-77 missile is equipped cumulative high-explosive warhead with an explosive charge weighing up to 25 kg. But the key feature is special detonation mechanism, which allows missiles detonate at a height of 10–15 meters above the surface, creating the effect of an “air trawl”. This fundamentally distinguishes the “Snake Gorynych” from other MLRS, where the shells explode upon impact with the target. This scheme ensures maximum area destruction: one missile is capable of “clearing” an area with a diameter of up to 30 meters.
- 🔧 Basic chassis: modified tank T-55 or T-62 with reinforced suspension.
- 🚀 Launcher: 220 rocket guides
220 mm, grouped in 5 rows of 44 pieces. - 💥 Warhead: cumulative high-explosive, with remote detonation at a given height.
- 🎯 Guidance system: absent (unguided missiles), aiming is carried out by a mechanical sight.
Interesting fact: despite its external bulkiness, the crew of the UR-77 consists of only three people - commander, gunner and driver. This became possible thanks to the automation of the charging and starting processes. However, recharging the system in the field takes up to 20 minutes and requires the participation of additional calculations.
Operating principle: how does “Serpent Gorynych” destroy mines?
The main purpose of the UR-77 is remote demining. The operating principle is based on effect of directed explosion: missiles explode in the air, and their fragments and shock wave initiate the detonation of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines over an area of up to 6 hectares in one salvo. This method is called “fire trawling”** and has several key advantages over traditional mine clearance methods:
- Safety for sappers: there is no need to physically approach the minefield.
- High speed: the salvo takes
10–15 seconds, while manual clearance of the same area can take hours. - Versatility: effective against mines with any type of fuse (pressure, tension, seismic).
The process of using UR-77 can be divided into several stages:
- Preparation: the vehicle takes up a firing position at a distance
300–900 metersfrom the goal (optimally -500–600 m). The crew enters data on distance and elevation angle. - Volley: all 220 missiles are launched almost simultaneously (the interval between launches is a fraction of a second). The flight to the target takes
20–25 seconds. - Detonation: At a given height, remote fuses are triggered, creating a “carpet” of fragments and a shock wave.
- Result evaluation: After the salvo, sappers or reconnaissance teams check the effectiveness of trawling.
It is important to understand that “Zmey Gorynych” does not guarantee 100% cleanup of the territory. According to military tests, trawling efficiency is 70–90% depending on the type of mines and the density of their installation. Therefore, after using UR-77, you should usually additional check sappers or mine detectors.
Tactical features of the use of UR-77
UR-77 is rarely used alone - as a rule, it is integrated into complex operations to break through enemy defenses. The classic application scenario looks like this:
- Artillery preparation: "Grads" or "Hurricanes" suppress manpower and firing points.
- Fire trawling: UR-77 “clears” passages in minefields.
- Breakthrough: Tanks and infantry advance through the formed corridors.
- Stripping: Sappers finish off the remaining mines manually.
However, the system also has limitations. For example, UR-77 is ineffective against modern anti-bottom mines (type TM-89 or PTM-3), which operate under the tracks of vehicles. Also, its use requires accurate calculation of the distance: if there is an error in determining the range, the missiles can explode too high (and not damage the mines) or too low (which is dangerous for friendly troops).
Why was the UR-77 nicknamed “Snake Gorynych”?
The nickname appeared due to the external resemblance of the launcher to the mythical three-headed serpent (three rows of guides resembled heads). In addition, the effect of the salvo—a fire “storm”—was associated with a fire-breathing monster. The official name of the system is “Meteorite,” but it did not take root among the troops.
In Afghanistan, the UR-77 was actively used for destruction of Mujahideen cave shelters and clearing mountain roads of booby traps. However, in mountainous areas, the effectiveness of the system was reduced due to the terrain: the shock wave and fragments scattered chaotically. However, even partial clearance of mines made it possible to reduce the losses of Soviet troops.
Technical characteristics of UR-77: comparison with analogues
To understand the uniqueness of the “Snake Gorynych”, let’s compare it with other well-known MLRS:
| Parameter | UR-77 "Meteorite" | BM-21 "Grad" | 9K57 "Hurricane" | TOS-1 "Sunny" |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missile caliber, mm | 220 | 122 | 220 | 220 |
| Number of trunks | 220 | 40 | 16 | 30 |
| Maximum range, km | 0.9 | 20.4 | 35 | 3.5 |
| Warhead type | Cumulative high-explosive (remote detonation) | High explosive | Cassette/high explosive | Thermobaric |
| Main purpose | Demining, destruction of fortifications | Defeat of manpower and equipment | Destruction of fortified objects | Clearing the territory of manpower |
As can be seen from the table, the UR-77 is inferior to other systems in terms of firing range, but surpasses them in fire density and specializations. For example, "Hurricane" can hit targets at a distance of up to 35 km, but its cluster munitions are not designed to clear mines. A TOS-1 "Sunny", despite a similar caliber, uses thermobaric shells, which are effective against manpower, but useless against mines.
Another key difference is reload time. If the Grad can be reloaded in 5–10 minutes, then UR-77 requires up to 20 minutes due to the larger number of missiles and their dimensions. This makes the system vulnerable in the face of active enemy counteraction.
Modifications and modern analogues
During its operation, the UR-77 underwent several modifications:
- 🔹 UR-77 “Meteorite” (basic version):** on chassis T-55, range
300–900 m. - 🔹 UR-77M: improved guidance system, the ability to fire at a distance of up to
1.2 km. - 🔹 UR-83P: experimental version with rocket
9M27P, designed for laying minefields (instead of clearing mines).
The “Snake Gorynych” was replaced by more modern systems, such as:
- 💣 TOS-1A "Sunny": thermobaric MLRS on chassis T-72, range to
6 km. - 💣 BM-30 "Smerch": range to
90 km, but does not specialize in mine clearance. - 💣 KMZU (Mine barrier complex): designed for remote laying of minefields.
However, the UR-77 is still in service with some countries (for example, Syria and Iran) due to its simplicity, reliability and low cost of ammunition. In Russia, the system was discontinued in the 1990s, but some copies are used for educational purposes.
In urban battles, the UR-77 can be used to destroy barricades and rubble, but with caution: the shock wave can damage neighboring buildings and injure civilians.
Problems and limitations of the UR-77
Despite its effectiveness, “Snake Gorynych” has a number of significant disadvantages:
⚠️ Attention: The use of UR-77 near friendly forces is fraught with friendly fire. The radius of damage from fragments can reach 200 meters from the epicenter of the explosion, so the crew must strictly maintain the distance.
- 🎯 Low accuracy: unguided missiles have significant dispersion (up to
100 mat maximum distance). - 🚜 Limited mobility: chassis T-55/T-62 outdated, which reduces the speed of movement over rough terrain.
- 💸 High salvo cost: one launch costs
50–70 thousand rubles(at the rate of the 2020s), which makes the system uneconomical for mass use. - 🌍 Environmental damage: after a salvo, thousands of unexploded fragments remain on the ground, which makes its further use difficult.
Another problem - psychological factor. A salvo of UR-77 produces deafening noise (up to 130 dB) and visually resembles a miniature nuclear explosion. This can disorient even experienced soldiers if they are not prepared for such an effect.
In modern conflicts, where they are widely used drones and precision weapons, UR-77 looks archaic. However, in local wars (for example, in Syria), it is still in demand due to its ability to quickly “break through” corridors in minefields without risk to personnel.
The future of fire trawling systems: what will replace the “Snake Gorynych”?
Modern armies are abandoning systems like the UR-77 in favor of more accurate and universal solutions. They are replacing:
- 🤖 Robotic demining systems: for example, "Uran-6" or "Scorpio", which remotely survey and clear the territory.
- 🎯 Precision missiles: how "Kornet-D" with a thermobaric warhead, capable of hitting individual mines or shelters.
- 💥 Mini-MLRS: compact systems like "Tornado-G", combining mobility and high fire density.
However, it is not yet possible to completely abandon systems like the UR-77. Their main advantage is mass and simplicity — remains relevant in the context of a shortage of high-tech weapons. For example, in 2022 there were reports of attempts to modernize older UR-77s for use in modern conflicts.
The UR-77 remains the only production system capable of clearing mines from an area sufficient for the passage of a battalion of equipment in one salvo. Alternatives with the same effectiveness have not yet been created.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about UR-77
Can the UR-77 hit enemy personnel?
Yes, but that is not its main purpose. Shrapnel and shock waves from a salvo can disable infantry within a radius 100–150 meters, however, there are more effective systems for this (for example, “Grad” or “Hurricane”). UR-77 is optimized specifically for mine clearance.
Why is UR-77 not used in Ukraine?
In a modern conflict, the UR-77 is ineffective due to several reasons: low accuracy (vulnerable to counterattack), limited range (up to 1 km), and also high visibility (the car is easily detected by drones). In addition, the Ukrainian army widely uses mine countermeasures systems (for example, "Kropiva"), which nullify the advantages of “Snake Gorynych”.
How much does one missile for UR-77 cost?
According to open sources, the cost of one missile 9M27K (main ammunition for UR-77) is about 2–3 thousand rubles (for 2023). However, taking into account inflation and logistics, the real price can reach 5 thousand rubles per unit. A full salvo costs 1–1.5 million rubles.
Can the UR-77 be used against armored vehicles?
Theoretically yes, but with reservations. The cumulative high-explosive warhead is capable of penetrating armor up to 100–120 mm, which is enough for an infantry fighting vehicle or armored personnel carrier. However, due to low accuracy and small radius of destruction (compared to ATGM) UR-77 is ineffective against maneuverable targets. It is best used for stationary objects (for example, bunkers).
Where can you see the UR-77 today?
Several copies are kept in Russian museums (for example, in Museum of armored vehicles in Kubinka or Military Historical Museum of Artillery in St. Petersburg). Also, the UR-77 is still in service with armies Syria, Iran and some African countries. In Russia, the system has been discontinued, but individual vehicles are used for target practice.